Lion Links: 10/1/16

It’s finally October, Mane Landers. It means the MLS season is winding down, that midday temperatures might finally drop into the low 80s, and that my girlfriend is going to suggest several ridiculous couples costumes every day for the next three weeks.

It would be tolerable if she suggested anything remotely frightening, but she keeps rejecting my suggestion of “snowbirds driving on I-4.” But before we get to that point in the month, there’s still soccer to be played and news to be shared. We’ve got a great lineup of links for you today to start your weekend off right. Today is also Julio Baptista’s birthday and everyone here at The Mane Land would like to wish The Beast a happy 35th.

Three Lions Called Up

Kevin Molino, Tommy Redding, and David Loera have all been selected by their respective sides for next week’s international break. Molino and Trinidad & Tobago will be competing in Caribbean Cup qualifiers against the Dominican Republic and Martinique in the beginning stages of next year’s Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Redding will be with the U.S. U-20 team in Manchester, England, for the Four Nations Tournament against European heavyweights Germany, England, and the Netherlands in preparation for the U-20 World Cup in May. With the first match scheduled for tomorrow, it’s likely that Tommy will be unavailable against Montreal. Academy product and Orlando City B player David Loera will get to work with Brad Friedel and the U.S. U-19 squad in Chula Vista, where they will take on Xolos’ reserves and another yet-to-be-announced opponent.

Cyle Larin Rejects Canada

But not every Lion called up will be away next week. The Canadian national team will be holding camp in Morocco but Orlando City’s star striker won’t be joining them. Even though Orlando will not have a match during Canada’s camp and matches with Mauritania and Morocco, Larin has elected to stay behind and focus on Orlando City’s playoff push. Coach Michael Findlay attempted to call up a group of Canada’s up-and-comers, but they will be without a core piece. Orlando City will be grateful that Larin won’t be travelling to Africa for a week between two critical match-ups for the club’s postseason survival.

Servando Carrasco on ESPN’s “Over The Ball”

Carrasco discusses City’s remaining schedule and how Jason Kreis has affected the team. It’s a quick 10-minute conversation with the ESPN Radio podcast with a lot of good information. (Speaking of podcasts, we had Lewis Neal on ours this week to discuss the upcoming USL playoffs — check it out!) Servando talks about his role on the field as a defensive midfielder and off the field as a translator. There’s some good insight on Carrasco as a person and behind-the-scenes action.

U-17 USWNT Gets Set for World Cup

The U-17 Women’s National Team has arrived in Jordan and they are preparing for their opening match against Paraguay. It marks the first women’s FIFA competition held in the Middle East. The U.S. is matched up with Paraguay, Ghana, and reigning champions Japan in what is sure to be a challenging tournament. The U.S. has yet to win the tournament in two previous appearances, though the Yanks did reach the final in 2008.

The Guardian Reviews FIFA 17

With all of the new additions like a revamped free kick system and a new single player mode entitled “The Journey,” there are a lot of refreshing aspects to this year’s installment of FIFA from EA Sports. The Guardian takes a look at the new Frostbite engine, mechanics, and mode. There are a lot of refreshing changes other than the usual roster updates.

Those are all of your links for today. Be sure to check back in tomorrow for our coverage as Orlando City takes on Montreal and Orlando City B takes the field in the club’s first ever playoff match against New York Red Bulls II.